NEARBY residents have lost a battle to stop plans for “affordable homes” in Warrington which they claimed would resemble a prison.
Borough council planning chiefs have approved the sceme on the site of the former Chevvies pub at the junction of Manchester Road and Padgate Lane.
It will consist of a three-storey block of 23 one-bed flats and seven two-bed flats and will include a dedicated car park with 32 spaces and electric vehicle charging points.
Residents lodged strong objections to the development, opposite Warrington Cemetery.
They claimed the pub – which has stood empty for about four years – had been “left to rot” and that the site was on a busy and congested junction. There was no need for flats in the area, but a real need for houses for families.
The proposed new building would have a bleak appearance, resembling a prison, and would be out of character with existing Georgian and Victorian properties. In addition, the building would not sit well with the gated entrance to the cemetery on the other side of Manchester Road.
Planning officers recommended the scheme be approved. They said it would be a sustainable development which would not have a serious impact on the cemetery buildings and would be acceptable in the area.
